Wednesday, May 31, 2017

In one of the longest-running science fiction series in network TV history, FBI special agents investigate unexplained, mind-bending cases known as "X-Files." Though the government is convinced that the outlandish reports are false, conspiracy theorist Fox Mulder (David Duchovny) and realist Dana Scully (Gillian Anderson), for most of the series, stop at nothing to prove that "the truth is out there." Series creator Chris Carter also serves as executive producer of the thrilling pop-culture phenomenon.

Tuesday, May 30, 2017

Mazinger Z is a Japanese super robot manga series written and illustrated by Go Nagai. The first manga version was serialized in Shueisha's Weekly Shōnen Jump from October 1972 to August 1973, and it later continued in Kodansha TV Magazine from October 1973 to September 1974. It was adapted into an anime television series which aired on Fuji TV from December 1972 to September 1974.

Mazinger Z is an enormous super robot, constructed with a fictitious metal called Super-Alloy Z, which is forged from a new element (Japanium) mined from a reservoir found only in the sediment of Mt. Fuji, in Japan. The mecha was built by Professor Juzo Kabuto as a secret weapon against the forces of evil, represented in the series by the Mechanical Beasts of Dr. Hell. Dr. Hell establishes his headquarters on a mobile island, and plans to use the Mechanical Beasts to become the new ruler of the world. To counter this, Kabuto constructs Mazinger Z and manages to finish it just before being killed by a bomb planted by Hell's right-hand person, Baron Ashura, a half-man, half-woman. As he lays dying, he manages to inform his grandson Kouji Kabuto about the robot and its use. Kouji becomes the robot's pilot, and from that point on battles both the continuous mechanical monsters, and the sinister henchmen sent by Doctor Hell.

Monday, May 29, 2017

Looks like a new company is offering 12-inch figures to the ever growing 1:6 scale collectible market. Ark Toys has released preview pics of their first product which looks like a 12-inch post-apocalyptic action figure belonging to a dystopian future where the air is bad and danger lurks at every corner. Danger appears to include zombies because he carries a zombie killing baseball bat with nails, one of those weapons that can be easily fashioned and used effectively against zombies when they get too close for comfort. This looks almost in line with Dam Toys Darkzone figures which have been previewed earlier on my toy blog HERE, HERE and HERE.

Sunday, May 28, 2017

"It's over, Deadshot. I don't want to do this in front of your daughter."

Suicide Squad is a 2016 American superhero film based on the DC Comics antihero team of the same name. It is the third installment in the DC Extended Universe series. In the film, a secret government agency led by Amanda Waller recruits imprisoned supervillains to execute dangerous black ops missions and save the world from a powerful threat, in exchange for reduced sentences. Ben Affleck reprises his role as Bruce Wayne / Batman and captures Deadshot (Will Smith) and Harley Quinn (Margot Robbie) and puts them in Belle Reve Prison.

Sideshow and Prime 1 Studio are proud to present Batman from Suicide Squad Movie (2016). Batman is crafted in 1:3 scale with great attention to detail and stands around 31 inches tall.

Saturday, May 27, 2017

Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales (also known as Pirates of the Caribbean: Salazar's Revenge) is a 2017 American fantasy swashbuckler film, and the fifth installment in the Pirates of the Caribbean film series. Thrust into an all-new adventure, a down-on-his-luck Captain Jack Sparrow feels the winds of ill-fortune blowing even more strongly when deadly ghost sailors led by his old nemesis, the evil Captain Salazar, escape from the Devil's Triangle. Jack's only hope of survival lies in seeking out the legendary Trident of Poseidon, but to find it, he must forge an uneasy alliance with a brilliant and beautiful astronomer and a headstrong young man in the British navy.

Bandai has used their high tech face printing technology to great effect here and managed to capture Johnny Depp's likeness very well as Captain Jack Sparrow. Although I suspect the protoype pictures will look a lot better than the actual / final product. This was evident with the S.H. Figuarts Game of Death Bruce Lee (Yellow Track Suit) 14cm Tall Action Figure which was reviewed on my toy blog HERE and HERE. The articulation looks great as it allows collectors to pose Jack in his signature poses.

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Important Note: These products are for military collectors and historic education purposes only, and they are not intended to glorify nor exploit the horrors and atrocities of war.

The Axis Powers is a term for those participants in World War II opposed to the Allies. The three major Axis powers, Nazi Germany, Fascist Italy, and the Japanese empire, referred to themselves as the "Rome-Berlin-Tokyo Axis." The Axis powers ruled empires that dominated large portions of Europe and the Asia-Pacific region, but they were ultimately defeated at the end of World War II.

The Wehrmacht (lit. "defence force") was the unified armed forces of Nazi Germany from 1935 to 1946. It consisted of the Heer (army), the Kriegsmarine (navy) and the Luftwaffe (air force). The Wehrmacht formed the heart of Germany’s politico-military power. In the early part of World War II, Hitler's generals employed the Wehrmacht through innovative combined arms tactics (close cover air-support, mechanized armor, and infantry) to devastating effect in what was called a Blitzkrieg (lightning war). The Wehrmacht's new military structure, unique combat techniques, newly developed weapons, and unprecedented speed and brutality crushed their opponents. By the time the war ended in Europe in May 1945, the Wehrmacht had lost approximately 11,300,000 men, about half of which were killed in action.

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IMHO The German military uniforms of World War II were most impressive and appear to be the best among all the armies. They were the best looking uniforms (the sharpest) and the German leaders seem to understand the value of branding and propaganda - the Nazi party spared no expense in looking good while doing bad.

While cleaning the display shelves for my 12-inch figures, I always try to take group pictures of my collection when they are out of their glass prison. Other group pics taken before include: "SEAL Team 6: The Ones Resonsible For Osama Bin Laden's Demise" posted on my toy blog HERE; "October 7 – The Day the War in Afghanistan Began with U.S. Special Forces leading the way" HERE; "1/6th scale World War II Allied Forces Pilots and Air Crewman 12-inch action figures gathered" HERE; "1/6 scale SAS CRW 12-inch figures released by BBI, Dragon Models, MC Toys, Medicom, Palitoy" HERE; and "Just some random Hot Toys Iron Man and War Machine / Iron Patriot pictures from my collection" HERE.

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Friday, May 26, 2017

The reimagined Batman archenemy Joker figure pictured below is designed by Square Enix’s famed character designer Tetsuya Nomura who is best known for his work on the Final Fantasy and Kingdom Hearts series (he's currently directing both Kingdom Hearts III and Final Fantasy VII Remake).

The Square Enix Play Arts Kai DC Comics Variant JOKER figure stands 285 mm tall (about 11 inches) and offers quite a bit of customization. The figure comes with seven different facial options, with different faces and masks available to switch the look of Joker. There are are also different hand options and a set of machine-like arms / exoskeleton / wheelchair that appear to be quite flexible in terms of how they can be used. Nomura’s unique take on the Clown Prince of Crime is part of Square Enix’s DC Universe Variant Play Arts Kai line

It appears Nomura had a wide range of ideas in mind for the Joker. As such, the figure includes no less than seven interchangeable head options, including a fairly traditional Joker face, one that seems ripped from a Final Fantasy game and another that looks frighteningly demonic. There are other headwear options as well, including a red hood and an ornate harlequin mask.

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He goes by many names, but all know him by his mighty hammer. After being disgraced and cast out of Asgard as the human doctor Donald Blake, the heroic Thor finds himself once again worthy to wield the power of the storm with his mystical weapon Mjolnir, which bears the inscription, “Whosoever holds this hammer, if he be worthy, shall possess the power of Thor”.

Few others have been worthy of the might of Thor before now. Our newest sixth scale figure brings the thunder to your collection with Thor Odinson in all of his Asgardian glory. Wearing his famous silver helmet with feathered wings, Thor is ready to launch into battle by taking flight with his hammer. Godly golden locks complete his classic portrait as he prepares to summon the thunder.

This figure comes garbed in a carefully tailored fabric tunic and pants just like Thor’s Viking leathers. He has sculpted gauntlets on his arms, and sturdy boots to designed to capture the classic look of his Asgardian armor. Thor’s mighty red cape flows behind him and comes with a removable faux-fur collar to make him appear extra godlike in detailed 12-inch stature.

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Thursday, May 25, 2017

Even though it's a Spider-Man movie, Iron Man has to make an appearance. Iron Man Mark 47 will be the newest armor suit Tony Stark wears in the latest Marvel Studios movie to be released in July 2017. Talk about Tony Stark's Narcissistic Personality Disorder. And the chance for Marvel to make more money from merchandising. Needless to say, action figures will be made based on the two superheroes, Tom Holland's Spider-Man and Robert Downey Jr.'s Iron Man Mark XLVII as well as the super villains appearing in the film, most notably Michael Keaton's Vulture.

Scheduled to be released in August, "Spider-Man: Homecoming" figures by Banpresto will be made available to fans and collectors everywhere. Check out the prototype pics released by the company to showcase the nice details and movie accuracy of their upcoming Iron Man Mark XLVII and Spider-Man figures! Banpresto Iron Man will be about 26 cm tall. Spider-Man is shorter and slimmer at 18 cm but that's also because he's crouching while shooting his web. The prototype pics feature some really nice details. Check out Banpresto Spider-Man prototype pics posted below followed by Banpresto Iron Man Mark XLVII prototype pics.

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Wednesday, May 24, 2017

Justice League is an upcoming American superhero film based on the DC Comics superhero team of the same name, distributed by Warner Bros. Pictures. It is intended to be the fifth installment in the DC Extended Universe. The film is directed by Zack Snyder, with a screenplay by Chris Terrio, from a story by Snyder and Terrio, and features an ensemble cast that includes Ben Affleck, Henry Cavill, Amy Adams, Gal Gadot, Jason Momoa, Ezra Miller, Ray Fisher, Willem Dafoe, Jesse Eisenberg, Jeremy Irons, Diane Lane, Connie Nielsen and J. K. Simmons. In Justice League, Batman and Wonder Woman assemble a team consisting of Flash, Aquaman and Cyborg to face the catastrophic threat of Steppenwolf and his army of Parademons.

The costumes worn by the World’s Greatest Superheroes in the upcoming Justice League movie were put on display at The Las Vegas Licensing Expo this week. New costumes only means new 1/6th scale figures by Hot Toys to be added to the collection. Let's take a look at the pics.

Ben Affleck as Bruce Wayne / Batman: The benefactor of the group of metahumans who is also a billionaire socialite and CEO of Wayne Enterprises who dedicates himself to protecting Gotham City from its criminal underworld as a highly trained, masked vigilante equipped with many powerful tools and weapons.

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Tuesday, May 23, 2017

Today, Vanity Fair debuts the cast of The Last Jedi, on four different covers, marking the first time they’ve released alternate Star Wars covers.

The first cover features at least one Jedi—who may or may not be the last. Annie Leibovitz captured Daisy Ridley and Mark Hamill on the blustery cliff on the planet Ahch-To (on location in Ireland) where Luke Skywalker was last seen with Ridley’s Rey. Ridley stares down the camera and into the future of the galaxy.

Monday, May 22, 2017

Logan is a 2017 American superhero film featuring the Marvel Comics character Wolverine, produced by Marvel Entertainment, TSG Entertainment, and The Donners' Company, and distributed by 20th Century Fox. In the near future, a weary Logan (Hugh Jackman) cares for an ailing Professor X (Patrick Stewart) at a remote outpost on the Mexican border. His plan to hide from the outside world gets upended when he meets a young mutant (Dafne Keen) who is very much like him. Logan must now protect the girl and battle the dark forces that want to capture her. The film takes inspiration from "Old Man Logan" by Mark Millar and Steve McNiven, which follows a past-his-prime Logan undertaking a final adventure in a dystopian future.

Saturday, May 20, 2017

Wolverine (born James Howlett, commonly known as Logan and sometimes as Weapon X) is a mutant who possesses animal-keen senses, enhanced physical capabilities, powerful regenerative ability known as a healing factor, and three retractable bone claws in each hand. Wolverine has been depicted variously as a member of the X-Men, Alpha Flight, and the Avengers. The character appeared in the last panel of The Incredible Hulk #180 before having a larger role in #181 (cover-dated Nov. 1974). Wolverine then joined a revamped version of the superhero team the X-Men, where eventually writer Chris Claremont and artist-writer John Byrne would play significant roles in the character's development. Artist Frank Miller collaborated with Claremont and helped to revise the character with a four-part eponymous limited series from September to December 1982 which debuted Wolverine's catchphrase, "I'm the best there is at what I do, but what I do best isn't very nice."

This is the upcoming Figure Complex Amazing Yamaguchi Revoltech Wolverine. New official images and details have been released for the figure by Kaiyodo. The Wolverine figure will stand just over 6 inches tall and comes wearing his Astonishing X-Men style yellow and blue costume. The figure has 33 points of articulation. Wolverine includes three interchangeable portraits, multiple sets of hands, adamantium claws that can be swapped between the hands and a cigar. Also included will be a figure stand and a slashing effects piece.

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Friday, May 19, 2017

Point Break is a 2015 action thriller film directed by Ericson Core and written by Kurt Wimmer which he co-produced with John Baldecchi, Broderick Johnson, Andrew A. Kosove, Christopher Taylor and David Valdes. An American-German-Chinese co-production, this film is a remake of the 1991 film of the same name. Thrill-seeking criminals perform a series of daredevil stunts to steal money and gems, only to give it away to the poor and less fortunate. Training for a job with the FBI, young recruit Johnny Utah (Luke Bracey) suspects that only extreme athletes could pull off these heists. Utilizing his own special skills, Utah infiltrates the gang of thieves after befriending their charismatic leader, Bodhi (Édgar Ramírez). As Johnny experiences the rush of their lifestyle, his superiors fear that his loyalties are being tested.

Thursday, May 18, 2017

This massive, limited edition action figure marks the 30th anniversary of the original Predator movie!

The stealthy Jungle Demon Predator is cast in clear plastic with camouflage accents to capture his cloaked appearance in the jungle. We’ve even equipped him with LED effects to simulate the yellow glowing eyes and phasing effect seen on screen! The figure also features red LED lights in the mask’s targeting system and in the wrist computer, which flips open.

Dr. Stephen Strange, MD was once a prominent but egotistical surgeon. Following a tragic automobile accident, he searched the world for a way to heal his badly damaged hands. After becoming a student of the Ancient One, Strange not only mastered the martial arts but the mystical arts as well. He now serves as Sorcerer Supreme and from his base in the Sanctum Sanctorum he guards the world from mystical and magical threats. Doctor Strange joins the One:12 collective with a comprehensively detailed outfit and unique character specific accessories.

Wednesday, May 17, 2017

Katana (Tatsu Yamashiro) is a fictional superheroine that appears in comic books published by DC Comics. Katana is portrayed by Karen Fukuhara in the 2016 Warner Bros. Pictures release Suicide Squad. Fukuhara has stated that she wants to explore Katana's backstory in the sequel.

Katana joins Kotobukiya's Bishoujo lineup of Super Heroes and Villains based on characters appearing in DC Comics! With her iconic mask beloved sword Soultaker by her side, Katana is ready to strike down her enemy. Katana looks amazing in her glistering black armor and red boots. Katana stands 230mm tall (9.05 inches) in 1/7th scale on a special themed base.

I would love to see a 1/6th scale Katana female action figure. Someone make one please.

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Tuesday, May 16, 2017

“The dead have taken command of the sea. They're searching for Sparrow!”

Coming up, another legendary Disney production, Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales is just around the corner. After 6 years, the highly anticipated blockbuster will finally be released later this month. Cursed by Captain Jack Sparrow into the Devil's Triangle, the terrifying Captain Salazar is resurrected and made a dead set at taking out all pirates at sea, particularly seeking out Jack Sparrow at all cost for his revenge. It’s been a long voyage since the Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides in 2011.

Hot Toys is very excited to bring an all-new Captain Jack Sparrow 1/6th scale collectible figure on board from Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales as the latest addition to fans beloved DX Series. Made with meticulous craftsmanship, the remarkable head sculpt features 2 interchangeable faces with patented Interchangeable Faces Technique and separate rolling eyeballs, highly intricate and brand new tailored costumes based on Jack Sparrow’s iconic outfit. A large assortment of weapons and accessories are also included to recreate the authentic likeness of this legendary pirate in the film. Along with the figure, it also comes with a surprisingly elaborated diorama figure stand inspired by his sailing adventures. Set sail with Captain Jack Sparrow!

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Sideshow, in partnership with Legacy Effects, is proud to unveil the latest in our series of 1:1 scale, life-sized collectibles – Darth Vader! Standing over 7 feet tall, this all-new movie accurate statue makes for an imposing and utterly jaw-dropping museum-quality showpiece that is sure to be the pride and joy of any Star Wars fan!

The Dark Lord of the Sith has been faithfully reproduced down to every minuscule detail. From his expertly tailored costume and cape, to his movie-accurate armor and light-up chest plate, no expense has been spared to bring you the finest high-end display piece in the galaxy!

Instantly recognizable and utterly iconic, Darth Vader is quite simply one of the greatest villains in movie history. As lifelong Star Wars fans and collectors it was not only an honor for us to create a life-sized version of our favorite characters, but also a challenge to create a piece that is worthy of Vader’s legacy.

Hands resting on his belt, lightsaber hung casually (and within reach) at his side; Lord Vader exudes all the deadly confidence and quiet menace befitting a Sith Lord at the height of his powers!

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Monday, May 15, 2017

He just got back from making the Kessel Run, and now he’s ready to join your collection. Sideshow is proud to present the Han Solo Premium Format Figure. For the look of this figure, Han Solo has been brought to life straight from Star Wars Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back. His detailed portrait has been sculpted to capture the likeness of Harrison Ford.

The Han Solo Premium Format Figure has an authentic Episode V costume sewn from fabric and leather elements to give his look an added sense of realism, down to the details of his belt. Taking an action stance with his blaster, Han is ready to shoot first when his enemies come to collect what he owes. He stands on top of a Millennium Falcon inspired base to complete the scene, proving this smuggling scoundrel has the heart of a rebel. Product Size: 20" H (508mm) x 14" W (355.6mm) x 15" L (381mm)

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Wong Fei-hung or Huang Feihong (9 July 1847 – 25 March 1924) was a Chinese martial artist, physician, and folk hero, who has become the subject of numerous martial arts films and television series. He was considered an expert in the Hung Ga style of Chinese martial arts.

Sunday, May 14, 2017

This is my second part action figure review of the recently released Hot Toys Movie Masterpiece Series MMS389 Rogue One: A Star Wars Story 1/6th scale Shoretrooper 12-inch Collectible Figure. This Shoretrooper definitely has more articulation than the Hot Toys MMS267 "Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope" 1/6th scale Stormtrooper 12-inch Figure (reviewed earlier HERE and HERE) due in part to the more flexible fabric black suit worn under his armor as well as brown pants instead of the skin-tight inflexible body glove worn by the stormtroopers. Even the Hot Toys Star Wars Rogue One 1/6th Death Trooper (Specialist) Collectible Figure was not spared the skin tight body glove issue - see the pics HERE and HERE. The only Stormtrooper with amazing articulation is the Bandai 1/6th scale Star Wars Stormtrooper Plastic Model Kit (check out the pics HERE and HERE).

This Shoretrooper captain (identifiable by the markings on his armor) certainly poses well. Perhaps Hot Toys might consider releasing the other two ranks later on since they already have the mould and it's just a matter of repainting the armor. They are famous for doing that. Regular shoretroopers featured sand colored armor, a red band around their right arm and a white stripe around their left shoulder guard whereas Squad leaders were identified by a sand blue stripe that went along the top of their chest plates and onto the top of their shoulder guards. Squad leaders also sported a kama attached to their belt. Stationed at the top secret Imperial security complex on the tropical planet Scarif, shoretroopers patrolled the beaches and bunkers of the facility. Shoretroopers operate, effectively, as Sergeants which allow them to command small squads of regular stormtroopers.

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Saturday, May 13, 2017

This article appeared in the print edition of The Straits Times on May 13, 2017, with the headline 'G.I. Joe action figurines entertained generations'.

NEW YORK • Stan Weston, whose concept for a military action figurine became the heroic G.I. Joe, one of the most popular toys produced, died on May 1 at his home in Santa Monica, California. He was 84.

His daughter, Ms Cindy Winebaum, said the cause was complications from surgery.

In 1963, Weston was a successful licensing agent. When he approached the Hasbro toy company, he believed he might be able to replicate the success of the Barbie doll, the plastic fashionista that had been introduced by Mattel in 1959 and was followed two years later by her boyfriend, Ken. From Mr Elliott Handler, a founder of Mattel, he had learnt that a popular product could spawn a big, continuous business, such as Barbie's outfits and accessories.

After trolling Encyclopaedia Britannica for a subject that might yield Barbie-esque success, he alighted on the men of the United States military, who wore many uniforms, wielded numerous weapons and drove various vehicles (read: accessories). For his pitch to Hasbro, he mounted paraphernalia from military branches and flags on yellow cardboard, according to a 2012 article by his brother, Jay, in The Huffington Post.

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Although Blade Girl is actually a licensed figure based on a popular Asian video game character, she looks a lot like Baby Doll from SUCKER PUNCH - see the similarities based on the Hot Toys Movie Masterpiece Series MMS157 Sucker Punch 1/6th scale Babydoll Collectible Figure released in May 2012 and reviewed on my toy blog HERE and HERE.

“Guns on hand, Combating anytime!”

Wefire has always been a man's battlefield, and the exciting awesome gunplay motivates the male hormone of each sharpshooter. With a gun in her left hand, this iron rose blade girl holds a sword in the right hand and shows girlish gentle in her eyes and brows. Because of the suffering in her childhood, she is hostile to the terrorist organizations. By joining the Chinese Dragon Group, she becomes a dreadful “Blade Girl”. She has charming body, beautiful face and golden long hairs, and the most attractive is her seductive uniform, so that she is the most beautiful female role.

Friday, May 12, 2017

From the classic action-adventure video-game Assassin's Creed series developed by Ubisoft, Damtoys has launched a 1:6 scale Collectible Figure of Edward Kenway, the main character in Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag. Loaded with accessories to recreate the character's different styles in the game, it is bound to be highly sought after by loyal fans of Assassin's Creed!

Damtoys has carefully presented and crafted this figure according to Edward Kenway's style in the video-game Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag. It stands at about 31cm tall, comes with all-new design, head sculpture that perfectly captures Edward’s scarred face and cold expression, uniquely tailored pirate outfit, a variety of accessories, including guns, saber, sword, the signature Assassin Hidden Blade, as well as a specially designed figure stand, so that collectors can enjoy a fun experience through this great line-up of equipment.

Tuesday, May 9, 2017

This is the Hot Toys Movie Masterpiece Series MMS389 Rogue One: A Star Wars Story 1/6th scale Shoretrooper 12-inch Collectible Figure from my recent April haul (posted on my toy blog HERE). Rogue One: A Star Wars Story is the first installment of the Star Wars Anthology series, set immediately before the events of the original Star Wars film. The Star Wars standalone film introduced us to some new troopers, alongside the familiar ones we are used to seeing, like the Stormtroopers. Among the new troopers were the Coastal Defender Stormtroopers, more commonly known as Shoretroopers, a specialized variant of the Galactic Empire's stormtroopers trained and equipped for combat in tropical environments.

Like I mentioned before, the beauty of these highly detailed 1/6th scale figures by Hot Toys or other manufacturers allows us to examine each character closely and appreciate the efforts the costume and prop designers put in to put these on the big screen. When all these characters are moving about on the screen, one cannot scrutinise all the juicy details featured until they are available to us replicated in movie-accurate 1/6th scale for our enjoyment. That's when the drool factor kicks in. Smaller size action figures are great for playing with but these high quality museum standard 1/6th scale realistic life-like reproductions of the actual stuff are such a wonder to behold. I never tire of them as each new release is a totally new experience.

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Monday, May 8, 2017

This is the second part action figure review of this recently released Hot Toys MMS403 Rogue One: A Star Wars Story 1/6th scale Chirrut Îmwe Collectible Figure (see my earlier review post HERE). Here you see Donnie Yen as Chirrut Îmwe wielding the lightbow. The lightbow was a complicated form of bowcaster native to Jedha and the traditional handcrafted weapon built by the Guardians of the Whills. Chirrut Îmwe used a lightbow during the attack on Eadu as well as during the Battle of Scarif. The lightbow was powerful enough to shoot down a TIE/LN starfighter with a direct hit. And Chirrut was shooting blind. Director Gareth Edwards allowed Donnie Yen to flesh out the character as he saw fit. One of the traits that Yen created for his character was Îmwe's blindness.

Chirrut Îmwe was a blind human male, with pale blue eyes, black hair and tan skin. He was one of the Guardians of the Whills, an order of spiritual warrior-monks. He was active during the days of the Galactic Empire and worked as an itinerant preacher in Jedha City. Although he lacked Force abilities, Îmwe was a strong believer in the Force and the Jedi way. He carried a simple staff and traditional lightbow bowcaster. Alongside his friend and protector, Baze Malbus, Îmwe became part of a volunteer group of Rebels tasked with stealing the plans of the first Death Star.

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Sunday, May 7, 2017

Once Upon a Time in China is a Hong Kong film franchise directed, written, and produced by Tsui Hark. The stories are based on the life of Chinese folk hero Wong Fei-hung, who is portrayed by Jet Li in the first three films and Vincent Zhao in the fourth and fifth films. The first two films in the franchise were among the most popular of the Golden Age of Hong Kong cinema (usually dated from 1986 to 1993) and were known for their depiction of Chinese nationalism as well as action choreography.

Once Upon a Time in China III (1993) is set in China in the late 19th century during the Qing dynasty, when Chinese sovereignty is being eroded by foreign imperialism. Empress Dowager Cixi and Li Hongzhang decide to stage a lion dance competition to showcase Chinese martial arts and restore national pride. Interested parties from all over China are invited to participate and compete for the title "Lion Dance King".

Saturday, May 6, 2017

Resident Evil: The Final Chapter is a 2016 science fiction action horror film written and directed by Paul W. S. Anderson. It is the sequel to Resident Evil: Retribution (2012) and the sixth and final installment in the Resident Evil film series, which is loosely based on the Capcom survival horror video game series Resident Evil. The film stars Milla Jovovich, Ali Larter, Shawn Roberts, Ruby Rose, Eoin Macken, William Levy, and Iain Glen. In the film, Alice and her friends are betrayed by Albert Wesker, who gathers the entire forces of Umbrella into one final strike against the apocalypse survivors.

Milla Jovovich reprises her role as Alice. She plays the principal role in each film, the storylines all somewhat revolving around her and the struggle with the Umbrella Corporation.

Friday, May 5, 2017

The strong and fearless Princess Leia holds a very special place in many Star Wars fans’ heart. With her courageous personality and dedication to end the tyranny of the Empire, she ranks among the galaxy’s greatest heroes and one of the most beloved heroines of all time.

The highly-accurate collectible figure is specially crafted based on the appearance of Princess Leia in the film. Featuring a newly developed head sculpt with stunning likeness, sophisticated tailoring of Leia’s outfit as seen in the battle of Hoth, an assortment of weapon and accessories, and a specially designed snow-theme figure stand, this collectible captures all of the details of the great Rebel leader.

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Ghost in the Shell is a 2017 American science fiction action film directed by Rupert Sanders and written by Jamie Moss, William Wheeler and Ehren Kruger, based on the Japanese manga of the same name by Masamune Shirow. It stars Scarlett Johansson, Takeshi Kitano, Michael Pitt, Pilou Asbæk, Chin Han and Juliette Binoche. Set in a near future when the line between humans and robots is blurring, the plot follows the Major (Johansson), a cyborg supersoldier who yearns to learn her past.

Negan is a fictional character in the comic book series The Walking Dead and in the television series of the same name. He is the leader of a group of roughly 500 survivors in The Sanctuary, called the Saviors, a group that trades with others. Jeffrey Dean Morgan portrays Negan in the television series of the same name and first appeared in the series' sixth season finale.

Thursday, May 4, 2017

Rogue One: A Star Wars Story, or simply Rogue One, is the first installment of the Star Wars Anthology series, set immediately before the events of the original Star Wars film. The cast includes Felicity Jones, Diego Luna, Riz Ahmed, Ben Mendelsohn, Donnie Yen, Mads Mikkelsen, Alan Tudyk, Jiang Wen and Forest Whitaker. Rogue One follows a group of rebels on a mission to steal the plans for the Death Star, the Galactic Empire's superweapon. Donnie Yen stars as Chirrut Îmwe, a Zatoichi-esque blind warrior who believes in the Force. He is said to be one of the Guardians of the Whills.

This is my latest haul and the first of May 2017. Hot Toys must have an affinity for Donnie Yen because they were rather fast in producing and releasing this Rogue One: A Star Wars Story 1/6th scale Chirrut Îmwe 12-inch Figure. It is no surprise since Hot Toys founder Howard Chan is also from Hong Kong and Donnie Yen is one of the biggest stars in Hong Kong. I'm also quite pleased to finally land a Donnie Yen 12-inch figure. Enterbay had the rights to the 1/6th scale Donnie Yen as Ip Man figure but I certainly wasn't going to get anything from them so this is my first mini Donnie Yen. While Ip Man didn't have many accessories, Chirrut Îmwe certainly is more equipped and his outfit / costume is more interesting.

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Wednesday, May 3, 2017

Mystique is a member of a subspecies of humanity known as mutants, who are born with superhuman abilities. Mystique is a shapeshifter who can mimic the appearance and voice of any person with exquisite precision, and her natural appearance includes blue skin and yellow eyes. Mystique appears in six of the X-Men films: she was portrayed by actress Rebecca Romijn in the first three installments, while Oscar winner Jennifer Lawrence portrayed a younger version of the character in X-Men: First Class (in which Romijn has a cameo), X-Men: Days of Future Past, and X-Men: Apocalypse.

Tuesday, May 2, 2017

Dust is of the devil. There's even a song called Dust is the Devil's Snow. As long as there is dust, we will always have jobs as cleaners and collectors are not spared either. I've been collecting for as long as I can remember and wherever you have a display, there tend to be dust built up over time. Open shelves are not the best for displaying toys and figures because the dust builds up really fast and before you know it, the figures are almost buried by the dust. Glass display shelves are one of the best for displaying figures because the enclosed cabinets help keep most of the dust out and you can have an almost dust free cabinet. I believe the best displays are those that seal the figures inside and keep the dust outside but that just means you have no access to the figures within and they are pretty much encased within a glass coffin. I like to have regular access to all my figures and so most of my glass display cabinets have swing doors so that I can regularly repose the figures and add more figures to the always growing collection.

Whenever I take the figures out of the display cabinets for their regular cleaning process, I try to snap photos of them because I enjoy taking group pictures. And these are some of the Hot Toys Iron Man collectible figures I have (missing the Hot Toys Iron Man Mark 1 because it is in its own customised display - see my review of the Toysbox Acrylic Hall of Armor 1/6th scale collectible display case for Iron Man figures posted on my toy blog post HERE.)

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Monday, May 1, 2017

The Black Panther (T'Challa) is a fictional superhero appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. Created by writer-editor Stan Lee and penciller and co-plotter Jack Kirby, he first appeared in Fantastic Four #52 (July 1966). He is the first black superhero in mainstream American comics, debuting years before such early African-American superheroes as Marvel Comics' the Falcon (1969) and Luke Cage (1972), and DC Comics' Green Lantern John Stewart (1971) and Black Lightning (1977). The character is usually depicted as the king and protector of Wakanda, a fictional African nation.

T'Challa / Black Panther made his live-action film debut in the 2016 film Captain America: Civil War, played by Chadwick Boseman. In the film, he is shown displaying enhanced speed, agility, strength, and durability. His suit has retractable claws and is made of a vibranium weave, which can deflect heavy machine gun fire. He joins Iron Man's side, after seeing security footage implicating the Winter Soldier as his father's killer.

This is Hot Toys MMS363 Captain America: Civil War 1/6th scale Black Panther Collectible Figure. The 1/6th scale Black Panther costume is non restrictive and does allow more articulation than usual as it is made of a thin and stretchable material. But I wouldn't attempt extreme poses for fear of the costume tearing at the seams.

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continued from previous toy blog post ... The Vikings came from three countries of Scandinavia: Denmark, Norway and Sweden. The name '...

hot toys T-800

T-800 comparisons

hot toys T1 T-800

hot toys T2 T-800

T2 T-800 with M134 Mini-gun

T2 T-1000

Hot Toys T2 Sarah Connor

T3 T-850

hot toys T4 John Connor

hot toys robocop 1

hot toys ed-209

robocain

hot toys robocop 3

hot toys "Appleseed" Deunan Knute

Briareos Hechatonchires

Medicom Motoko Kusanagi

Takara Motoko Kusanagi

Takara VIS Eris

God Complex: Hermes

Hot Toys King Leonidas

ACI Flamma

Celadus Thraex

Astacius Retiarius

Hot Toys Lt. Aldo Raine

col. hans landa (Christoph Waltz)

Hot Toys Blade

Hot Toys Abigail Whistler

Green Arrow

Leon S Kennedy

Jack Krauser

"Resident Evil: Extinction" Alice

Hot Toys Alice

Hot Toys Silken Floss (Scarlett Johansson)

VTS Stone Cold Killer

bruce willis as john mcclane from die hard

SEAL Lt AK Waters

Forrest Gump

DID Captain "Millers"

DiD Ranger Marksman "Private Daniel"

matt damon as private ryan

DiD Colonel Claus von Stauffenberg

USMC SSgt Nantz

Hot Toys USMC M249 SAW GUNNER

Jake Gyllenhaal as USMC Scout Sniper Swofford

Johnny Depp as John Dillinger.

Eric Bana as Norman "Hoot" Hooten

Rick Deckard Blade Runner

roy batty replicant

Steve McQueen as Josh Randall

Robert De Niro Taxi Driver

clint eastwood dirty harry

Léon: The Professional

enterbay jack bauer

Playhouse GSG-9

Subway 24 Hero

DiCaprio as Dom Cobb

Liam Neeson as Bryan Mills

Samuel L Jackson as John Shaft

John Travolta as Vincent Vega

Duke Togo Golgo 13

bruce Lee, Game of Death

jackie chan (成龍)

RIP Steve Jobs

iCEO steve jobs

3A Pathfinder Ono

3A Badbot

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Disclaimer

All entries written in my blog is of my own personal opinion and copyrighted. Third-party images are copyrighted by their respective owners. Please contact these rightful owners for their usage terms & conditions. I will not be responsible for copyright issues nor infringement thereof for third-party images I post on my blog. Reposting of my blog images is acceptable with written permission from myself and a courtesy link back to this blog.

If there is any infringement issue, kindly email me: cowpehcowbu[at]gmail[dot]com and i will gladly remove them immediately. By the way, free toys are always welcome.